Fighting With Pride

The objects of the CIO are:3.1 To relieve need, hardship or distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender former members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and their dependents within the United Kingdom by:(a) Promoting and supporting schemes and other initiatives including rehabilitation, retraining and employment of those who lost their employment on account of their sexuality prior to 2000.(b) Seeking acknowledgement and return where appropriate of medals and other awards removed when they lost their employment on account of their sexuality prior to 2000.(c) Seeking acknowledgement and remedy by whatever means is judged appropriate of damaged or impaired pension rights, payments and other benefits resulting from when they lost their employment on account of their sexuality prior to 2000.3.2 Promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity and the elimination of discrimination amongst serving and former members of the Armed Forces of the Crown.3.3 The promotion of the efficiency of the armed forces of the Crown by encouraging esprit de corps through bringing together lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Armed Forces of the Crown, former members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and their dependants.3.4 To advance public education regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Armed Forces of the Crown, former members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and their dependants with regards to their history, health and physical or mental wellbeing and military service including through public advocacy and the dissemination of research into these topics and through integration and promotion of arts projects.3.5 To promote and protect the good physical and mental health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of the Armed Forces of the Crown, former members of the Armed Forces of the Crown and their dependants through:(a) direct liaison with the Government and its agencies and by the provision of information, advocacy and discussion; and(b) direct liaison with Veterans and other charities and professional organisations through cooperative work, the provision of information, advocacy and discussion,so that their needs and past injustices can be better understood and addressed.3.6 To promote social inclusion for the public benefit amongst LGBTQ+ Veterans who were socially excluded when they lost their careers and livelihoods in the past while serving in the Armed Forces on account of their sexuality, by the provision of service referrals, of support, advocacy and social activities so that they have the opportunity to reintegrate within the broader Military Family.(For the purpose of this clause, ‘socially excluded’ means LGBTQ+ Veterans who lost or gave up their careers on account of their sexuality or gender identity while serving in the Armed Forces and who subsequently faced being ostracised when ‘outed’ to family, friends and colleagues, who found it difficult to find new employment or who developed mental health difficulties including poor self-esteem and confidence, depression and/or PTSD as a consequence).